Diagnosis of Lipid Disorders

Lipid disorders are diagnosed with blood tests that measure the level of cholesterol and triglyceride in the blood.

A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. You may need to fast for several hours, usually overnight, before your blood is taken. The test measures levels of:

Total cholesterol

LDL cholesterol

HDL cholesterol

Triglycerides

The results will be one of several factors your doctor will use to determine your overall heart disease risk. What level is ideal for you will depend on your heart disease risk factors such as weight, smoking history, family history, medical history, and age.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.